Tech Demo 3

This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page details the third major public Tech Demonstration version of Starship Simulator.

Tech Demo 3 refers to an updated public demonstration version of Starship Simulator developed by Fleetyard Studios. It represents a significant iteration over Tech Demo 2, featuring major overhauls to core galaxy generation systems, a redesign of the Magellan class starship interior and exterior, updates to the Sensors gameplay, and first implementation of the Command gameplay functions. The HUD was notably updated to display "Tech Demo 3" in Build 0.225.0.89, signalling this iteration.

Release and Availability

Though intended for 2024, Tech Demo 3 was delayed to Q2 2025.

A beta version of Tech Demo 3 was announced by Dan Govier on a Dev Stream on 2025-05-11 (Watch here), to be released shortly after the stream for wider public bug hunting before the official demo release.

The public version of Tech Demo 3 (0.225.0.117) was released on 2025-07-09.

Purpose

The primary goals of releasing Tech Demo 3 are:

• to showcase significant advancements and overhauls in core systems like the ship model, Sensors, and Galaxy Generation since Tech Demo 2
• to introduce and test newly implemented gameplay mechanics and content arising from these overhauls
• to gather extensive feedback on these new features, overall stability, and performance from a broader player base
• to further build the community and momentum leading towards the Steam Early Access release
• to allow for wider bug hunting and stress-testing of the updated systems

Content and Features

Tech Demo 3 incorporates several major changes and new features based on the developer's summary and ongoing development:

• Completely Rebuilt Magellan Class Ship:
  • features a new overall ship shape
  • includes improved and more fleshed-out interior layouts where development has been focussed. This continues the significant progress on the Framework, Wall panels, and flooring for Decks C, D, E, F, and G noted in earlier builds (Build 0.225.0.56 through 0.225.0.88).

• Overhauled Sensors UI & Functionality:
  • the Sensors User Interface has been completely redesigned
  • now supports proper and more detailed scanning of celestial objects
  • this includes features previously developed such as distinct Short, Medium, and Long Range scan modes, detailed data readouts, functional Orrery Maps on the Holoprojector (with zoom, scaling, zone lines - Build 0.225.0.50, 0.225.0.51, 0.225.0.70), detection and display of Life and Tech Signatures (Build 0.225.0.63, 0.225.0.69), and surface map functionality (Build 0.225.0.48)

• Updated Scanning & Navigation Tutorial:
  • the existing tutorial has been updated to reflect the new, expanded Sensors UI and scanning mechanics. This builds upon earlier enhancements to the tutorial system like the 3D hologram breadcrumb trail (Build 0.225.0.90).

• Overhauled Galaxy Generation:
  • significant improvements to the system, incorporating more astrophysics principles
  • features the "v1.0" implementation of alien civilisations and their detection
  • this includes more detailed stellar and planetary data points (Build 0.225.0.30, 0.225.0.69), advanced astrophysical rules in system generation (Proto-planetary disks, Snow Lines, Roche Limits, etc. - Build 0.225.0.32, 0.225.0.66, 0.225.0.67]), and diverse Star types (Build 0.225.0.16).

• Conference Room YouTube Player:
  • a functional YouTube player has been implemented in the ship's Conference Room (Build 0.225.0.17 and subsequent fixes)

• Bug Fixes and New Bugs:
  • includes a "whole load of bug fixes" addressing issues from previous versions
  • as a development build, it is also expected to introduce new bugs that players can help identify

• Continued Interior Development & Features:
  • further refinements to ship interiors, potentially including elements like the functional main crew lift (Build 0.225.0.42), new panel types, LED lighting (Build 0.225.0.80), and updated NPC pathing/behaviors (Build 0.225.0.60, 0.225.0.85)

• Multiplayer Improvements:
  • ongoing fixes for synchronization and stability in multiplayer sessions are likely included

Successor

The current information suggests the next major public phase after Tech Demo 3 would be a "VR Build Demo," Check Roadmap for further planned updates